Heskey: Following Ronaldo’s example could make Mohamed Salah’s Saudi move a success

Liverpool legend Emile Heskey has suggested that Mohamed Salah could emulate Cristiano Ronaldo by moving to the Saudi Pro League this summer, a step he believes could benefit the Egyptian winger both financially and professionally.

Despite signing a two-year contract extension that ties him to Anfield until 2027, Salah’s current form has sparked fresh speculation about his future.

Reports from BBC Sport indicate that the 33-year-old is “increasingly likely” to leave Liverpool this summer, coming just two months after he claimed to have “no relationship” with manager Arne Slot earlier in the season and accused the club of throwing him “under the bus.”

Speaking to OLBG, Heskey said a move abroad could suit Salah, who remains Liverpool’s highest-paid player at an estimated £400,000 per week.

“Could Mohamed Salah move to a Barcelona, a Real Madrid or a Bayern Munich instead of the Saudi Pro League? Everyone would love to see him go to those places, and I’m sure he would as well, but you take what’s there and in front of you,” Heskey noted.

The former striker pointed to other high-profile players thriving in Saudi Arabia as examples of what Salah could achieve.

“If that is Salah’s route, well, we’ve seen Cristiano Ronaldo still scoring goals out there. You see Ivan Toney still scoring goals. Sadio Mane’s out there. There’s no reason why you can’t do it in Saudi Arabia and still be producing on an international level as well,” he said.

Heskey stressed that the decision ultimately rests with Salah and should be respected by fans, given his achievements at Liverpool.

“Once you’ve done what he’s done, as fans we just have to accept what he decides. We accept and we love him for what he’s done. Because when you look at the numbers that he’s produced, no one can say anything,” he added.